Digitally Mapping My Classroom

I am inspired by a Pinterest post about using QR Codes, posted on walls, for visitors to scan and see what goes on in various areas in the classroom. I am also trying to draw a bit more on my iPad Mini and find a comfort level between the positive aesthetic feelings I have when drawing on paper and finding that "feeling" when drawing electronically.

My 4 year old daughter joined me in the project, but she wanted to use paper and pencil. She's been to my school, so she was actually helpful in keeping me mindful of where things are!

Why am I making this map?

I feel like when people walk into a typical classroom, they can tell immediately what type of learning in going on by the posters, bookshelves, students' work, etc. And we don't have that at our school. The school pops with brightly painted walls and is inviting, but we can't hang anything on the walls. Also, we have hardly any walls...it's an open- loft-like design. The challenge is in letting outsiders see that this public school in Miami is more than just sitting kids in front of laptops all day.

Why am I the expert to create this map?

I spend a great deal of time there; I've been at the school since it's inception; with the technology available I know that I can create an interactive map that allows parents and visitors to see what goes on in the school as they tour it.

Do I want my final project to be printed or digital? How is going to be used/held? What other constraints do I need to keep in mind moving forward? (Note type can be smaller on printed maps than when viewed on web)

Yes. Digital and print. People would hold the map and scan QR codes as they walk through the school to see what goes on, how students manage in such a school.

If it's digital, I might be able to use the final product with thinglink on my class website or the school's if they dig it.

Dear class, I need your help/expertise/guidance on how to figure out the best way to create the final product. I like the idea of using a hand-drawn map and citing the apps used to create it, the QR codes would link to slideshare; animoto; various Google docs, presentations, etc.; or photo albums. Does this seems as though it would work? Allow others to "see" the real goings-on in the school?

I used the Penultimate App to create the images below, but I'm alo going to try using the Paper App. Then play around with Photoshop or somehow layering the QR Codes. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm sort of winging it!